Saving Us

by Ashley Johnson

  “Sorry, my doctor was calling me back. I have my first appointment next week.”

  Her face lights up immediately. “Oh Sybil, you’re pregnant? Congratulations!”

  “Thank you. We’re pretty excited. It’s our first child.”

  “My husband and I have three. It gets pretty interesting in our house.” She laughs. “You can go ahead and go if you’d like and we’ll see you tomorrow. I have bus duty and you don’t need to stick around for that.”

  “Ok, sounds great. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  I walk out into the sunshine and smile. My very first appointment is next week and I won’t let the events of the past affect me. I can’t let that sit in the back of my mind. It’s not going to happen again. Maybe Caleb and I weren’t meant to have a baby but Cory and I are. I just know it.

  ***

  I walk into the house to find Cory sitting on the couch flipping through the channels. His face lights up the minute his eyes meet mine. “Hey, beautiful.”

  “Hey, yourself. I missed you today.”

  “I missed you too.” He tells me. I walk over to him and sit on his lap. His hands grab ahold of my hips and pull me closer to him. Our mouths are merely inches from another. I lean forward and kiss his lips softly.

  “Guess what?”

  “What babe?”

  “My first appointment is next week.”

  A grin spreads across his face as he pulls me closer to him. Our lips crash together once more and I’ve never been happier to not have him upset with me. His hands roam over my body before stopping on my stomach. Butterflies erupt as he hand rests right where our baby is growing.

  “Can you forgive me for being an ass yesterday?” he asks between kisses.

  “Yes,” is all I say as he continues to trail kisses down my neck. He knows just what to do to make my heart beat wildly for him. “Only if you forgive me though for seeing him.”

  “I don’t want to talk about that anymore, Syb,” he says as he dips his hand below the waist of my pants. I moan as he touches me and I nearly come apart. Like nothing, he moves to where I’m lying on the couch and he hovers over me. “I need to feel you now so damn bad.”

  All I have to do is close my eyes and moan giving him the ok to thrust into me. Cory leans forward feathering me with soft kisses as he continues to fill me. My body rocks in rhythm with his and I’m bursting at the seams, dying to come undone. Cory does that to me and I love it.

  Chapter 43

  Cory

  It’s been a week since the mishap with Blaine. It must have been some weird closure between the two of them because he hasn’t shown back up and we haven’t heard from him. Good riddance. Sybil’s nerves are getting the best of her. Today is her doctor’s appointment and all she can seem to think about is all the bad that can go wrong. I don’t see anything going wrong. We’ve had enough go wrong in the past year and I believe this is our fresh start. One look at Sybil and I can’t help but see everything positive. We have each other and an amazing family who has our backs. What more do we need? We were there for each other through thick and thin and now we get to have our own blessing. I just wish I could get her to see it that way. She’s fidgeting with her dress in the bedroom. Her black sundress hangs to her feet but she keeps tugging it down like it can go further.

  “Babe, the dress is fine.” I tell her. She turns to face me and just sighs.

  “I don’t like it.”

  “Why don’t you like it?”

  “It makes me look fat.” She states. I seriously want to laugh at her. That’s the best excuse she can come up with? I know if I laugh though, she’ll have my head on a damn platter.

  “Sybil babe, you look beautiful. Quit overthinking this appointment because I know that’s what you’re doing. Everything is going to be just fine. Our baby will be fine and then after the appointment we can share the good news.”

  She turns to face me with a tear in her eye. “You’re too good to me Cory. I’ll never understand that.”

  “The only thing you ever need to understand, is just how much I love you Sybil. I don’t care if everything else in this world confuses you, please always understand that.”

  “I understand and I love you too. Let’s get going, I guess. I’m ready to get this over.” She says letting out a deep breath. I grab ahold of her hand and squeeze it as I bring her knuckles up to my lips.

  “Well, let’s go see our baby.” I tell her with a big grin on my face. Besides the day the baby will be born, this is probably one of the most exciting days of my life. It can’t get any better than this. Getting to see our baby for the first time together, I can’t help but think, damn I’m such a lucky guy.

  ***

  Sybil

  For a week, Cory has been extremely supportive just like I’ve needed him to be. He understands what this appointment means to me and his optimism has been slightly helping me. I can’t help but be pessimistic and I hate that. I just want to be able to enjoy being pregnant. I want to feel my baby kick as my belly grows. Hell, I even want to experience the insane heartburn. Bring on the constipation while we’re at it. I don’t care about any of that as long as I can carry my baby.

  Cory’s smile practically reaches up to the clouds as he drives us to the doctor’s office. Panic begins to wash over me. I don’t know if I’m ready to go through with this. If something is wrong, I may completely lose it.

  He squeezes my hand as we walk inside. I immediately sign in with the receptionist and sign a few insurance forms before sitting in the small waiting room. There are women with bigger bellies sitting in there and for a minute, I’m envious of them. I want that and I hope I can have it with Cory.

  “You ok, babe?” he asks tenderly.

  I turn to face him and force out the best smile I can. “Yeah Cor, I’m good.”

  “Deep breaths Syb, I love you.”

  Before I can answer him, the nurse opens the door and looks around the waiting room. “Sybil Hayes?”

  I smile standing to my feet. Cory stands beside me and follows me back to the room. “Hi, I’m Sybil and this is my boyfriend Cory.”

  She looks him up and down and then looks back to me before saying, “Nice to meet ya’ll. Follow me.”

  We follow the nurse to the room where she weighs me and asks about a thousand questions. Nervously, I spit out answers to her until the last question is asked.

  She steps out of the room and the doctor comes in not long after. He’s a young guy, looks fresh out of college. My original doctor retired a few months ago and this guy took his spot.

  “Hi, I’m Dr. Breaux. It’s nice to meet you Sybil. Today, we’re just going to find the baby’s heartbeat and let you see the baby and then you’ll be on your way. We’ll set up regular visits after this.”

  “Sounds good.” I tell him.

  I lie back on the table and draw in a deep breath. The nurse walks back in and grabs a tube of goo. She squirts it on my belly and Dr. Breaux takes a wand and begins moving it over my belly. I try not to squirm but the goo is so cold. There’s nothing but silence for a moment and I want to cry. Is my baby ok? Suddenly, a faint thump is heard and Cory and I jerk our heads towards the screen. There on the screen is a little blip…our baby.

  “Well, looks like we’ve found your baby. Congratulations! Would you like a picture?”

  Cory speaks up before I can. “Yes, please.”

  I would have said the same thing. He’s so excited to see this. His eyes are filled with tears and he grabs my hand squeezing it with the biggest smile on his face. Thank God everything is ok, just like Cory said it would be. Seeing this baby actually sitting in my belly helped me realize that good things can and do happen.

  Dr. Breaux talks to us a little longer before scheduling my next appointment. Cory and I walk out to the car. I’m holding the picture and continuing to stare at it in awe.

  “Just when I thought I couldn’t love you more than I already do, I see the beautiful life we’ve created. Damn, thi
s is the best day ever.” He smiles contagiously.

  “It is. I love it already and I love you too.”

  “You know what we need to do right?”

  I sigh as I face him. “I do.”

  “Let’s go see David and Lillian.” I scrunch my nose, but I know he’s right. They are like my parents now and I want them in my baby’s life.

  He’s right. I have to tell them and I will. We drive to their house and I grab the picture as I climb out of the car.

  Lillian must have seen us coming because the door opens and she walks to the steps smiling. “I was getting ready to call you later today, Sybil. This is a nice surprise come on in.”

  I know she doesn’t know anything but she’s being so nice it almost feels like she knows everything.

  She pulls me in hugging me for what seems like an eternity. When she pulls away I sigh thinking this is it. I’m going to tell Caleb’s mom that Cory and I are having a baby.

  I draw in a deep breath as we walk inside. “Is David here?” I ask out of pure curiosity.

  “No, he had to run up to the office but he’ll be back later.” She tells me offering us each a bottle of water.

  I drink almost the entire bottle before I catch them both staring at me. “I’m thirsty, sorry.”

  I feel awkward suddenly like maybe I should have waited a few more days to come here but we’re here now and apparently today is the day. Cory clears his throat and I look at him knowing he’s getting ready to break the news. He stops before he can start and his jaw drops.

  “Hey son, didn’t expect to see you here. Is this how I get to officially meet Sybil? Hi honey, I’m Cory’s mom, Daphne. He seems to have forgotten his manners.” His mom smiles at me and pulls me in for a hug. Ok, I thought this was going to be awkward before, now it’s totally awkward.

  “Hi, nice to finally meet you.” I tell her. Guess we’re about to kill two birds with one stone. This way everyone gets to hear the news at one time.

  “Hey Mom, guess you get to hear this too, again.” I look at him a little bewildered. He leans into my ear and whispers, “I went and saw her last week and kinda slipped it out. I’m sorry.” My face flushes as I try to not let them see.

  “Lillian, Mom, we wanted to come and tell you this in person.”

  “Go on,” she smiles. I wonder if she really knows what is about to come out of his mouth. She knows us both well, too well. I decide I want to beat Cory to this so I grab the picture and try my best to smile.

  “I’m pregnant.” You could have heard a pin drop in the room. Awkward.

  I hold the picture out for her and she takes it but not for long before Daphne takes it away. They both look at it for a minute before looking up and smiling. “Congratulations! When did you find out?”

  “Last week,” Cory states. “But we wanted to go to the doctor first before we made an announcement.”

  Immediately, Daphne and Lillian begin talking excitedly amongst themselves planning a baby shower. I almost cringe hoping I’m not getting my hopes up with all this. Cory senses my tension and leans into my ear, “Babe, everything will be ok. Stress isn’t good for you or the baby.”

  I look at him and try not to laugh. He’s been reading up on all of this. “I’m trying Cor, I really am.”

  I am. I put on the best smile I can and jump into the baby shower conversation with Lillian and Daphne. We talk about everything from possible names to the flavor of the cake. Cory looks like he may gag at any moment. I’m sorta liking that.

  Chapter 44

  Cory

  It’s been the best day. We got to see our baby for the first time. I plan on putting that picture on the refrigerator and never taking it down. I had no idea that Mom was going to be at Lillian’s that day. I was sorta glad though. Getting it all out at one time was good for everyone, especially Sybil. That was less stress for her.

  Sybil comes walking out of the bathroom in a pair of shorts and a tank top. She plops down on the couch beside me and lets out a sigh.

  “What’s wrong, babe?” I ask her.

  “Nothing at all. I’m just tired. It’s been a long day and I’m just glad to be home with you.” She smiles as her body leans against mine. She stays silent for a moment and I wonder what she’s thinking. She lets out a yawn and stretches out. I love her so damn much.

  “I love you, so much Cory. All I could think about today was all the bad that could happen. I can’t believe I let one bad experience nearly ruin me.”

  “I love you too Sybil. You and our baby. Bad things may have happened in the past but not in our future, do you hear me?”

  She nods her head yes. I kiss the top of her head and hold her close to me.

  “Will we really be ok?” she asks.

  I kiss her head again and closer my eyes. “I know without a doubt in my mind, we will be. We have to trust each other, Sybil. I want you and our baby here for the rest of my life.”

  She has no idea but never in my life will there ever be anyone else for me. There will never be anyone that measures up to her. I cup her chin in my hand and slowly raise her face up. My lips brush lightly against hers and my body tingles at the taste of her kiss. Her lips are soft and everything to me. She kisses back slowly but eagerly and I don’t want to stop at all. This is pure heaven.

  I break the kiss to look into her eyes. “Here you go again saving me.”

  “No, we saved each other remember?” she says before crushing her lips back against mine.

  ***

  Sybil

  To taste Cory again is like the heavens opening up and the angels singing. It’s like God himself is smiling upon us. His kisses turn from soft and sweet, to furious and passionate at the same time. He scoops me in his arms and carries me to the bedroom. Tenderly, he lays me down on the bed and gently kisses my neck.

  “I love you, so much,” he says through kisses.

  “I love you, too.”

  He slowly unbuttons my shirt and it hang open with my bra and stomach exposed. Slowly he kisses me, igniting sparks within. I missed his touch so badly. I may just come unglued now. His hand dips down to my pants and he cups my sex from on top of the fabric. I moan, arching my back slightly. I need to feel him inside me.

  His hand moves and dips below the waist of my pants. The minute his hand touches me, I whimper begging for him to touch me. His breathing becomes ragged as he slowly lowers his hand to feel the warmth between my legs.

  “You’re so damn wet, I may lose it right here.” He tells me. I can’t say anything. The melodic rhythm of his fingers has me slowly coming unglued and the tingling sensation in my body is rapidly increasing.

  My hands roam over his body and when I reach his shorts, I tug them down the best I can. His cock springs free and my hand wraps around it. He groans as I begin to pump it. He stops for a second to throw my pants on the floor. He licks his lips before kissing between my thighs. Oh god, the minute his tongue laps my clit, my body bucks out of control. “Cory, please.” I beg.

  “You want me inside you?”

  “I want whatever you give me, just please don’t stop.” I pant.

  His head moves back down and in a swirling lap of emotions, my body convulses around his tongue. My breathing is erratic and my body is still thirsting for more.

  “I need to feel you now, Sybil. I love you so much.” He says as he hovers over me. Cory gives me a lazy smile as he slides into me. I love his lazy smile. I love everything about him. Our hands continue to rememorize each other’s body, as he passionately makes love to me. His body collapses on mine as he kisses my lips once more.

  After we shower and clean up, we don’t leave the couch for the rest of the day. Not even to cook. Cory orders pizza and we lie in each other’s arms. Pure perfection. That’s what this is.

  He kisses my lips softly before leaning down to my stomach he plants a soft kiss and whispers, “Daddy loves you so much.”

  My heart stops at this tender moment. This one moment makes everything we’
ve been through worth it. Cory Fuselier is my heart and soul. What once started off as nothing more than a mere friendship that stood through more than its fair share of tests, has blossomed into the most amazing love I could have ever imagined.

  Epilogue

  One Year Later

  Sybil

  In May, Cory and I welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. He stood by my side as I cried and pushed through the birth. The minute we saw our baby for the first time, it was like the entire world stopped. My whole world was now complete. Cory cried when he first held her and he looked completely in awe. She was a piece of both of us, she was perfection.

  Caleb has been gone for two years now. It’s amazing how things change. This time last year, I had just found out I was pregnant. I graduated from college with my teaching degree two weeks before giving birth and Cory is now in Law grad school. I’m so proud of him. I was able to secure a teaching position at the school I was student teaching in and I couldn’t be happier. I fell in love with the students and staff last semester while I was there.

  Emily Grace Fuselier is 3 months old now. She has barely any hair, but that doesn’t stop me from putting bows in it. Cory just laughs at me. This morning, she has a bright pink bow on. This day needs a little extra color. Two years later and it still isn’t that easy for us because we both will never forget that day.

  Cory parks the truck at the cemetery, right beside David and Lillian’s car. Lillian sees us getting out the car and she walks right up to us smiling.

  “Come see Nana,” she coos. Emily loves Lillian to death and it absolutely warms my heart that Lillian and David have accepted her as their own. Cory’s parents love her to death, too. She’s a very lucky little girl.